With more and more college teams ending their season, that means players are signing professional contracts on an almost daily basis whether it be as free agents or draft picks or whether they've graduated or are leaving school early. I've already written about Matt Read, who was signed by Philadelphia last week and you've been sending emails and tweets asking about some other prospects. So, here's the scoop...
Cam Atkinson - CBJ - A 6th round draft pick, Atkinson has worked his way up their prospect list over his three years at Boston College showing tremendous speed and skill. If you love Matt Calvert, you'll love Cam. He never takes a shift off and has a set of wheels on him that make you want to check his skates for mini jet packs. Because he's on the smaller side, the biggest adjustment to the pro game for him will be maintaining his speed against bigger, stronger, faster opponents, but above all Atkinson brings with him a strong desire to succeed. Nothing will get in his way to achieving his goals. He's been assigned to Springfield for the duration of this season, but will be given every opportunity to earn a spot with the Blue Jackets next fall. - FYI - I've got a feature in the works on him, look for it within the next week.
Jimmy Hayes - CHI - Originally drafted by the Maple Leafs, his rights were traded last summer to the Blackhawks. A few days ago, someone asked me if I thought he'd sign and I said it was possible, but that I hoped he would stay for his senior season at BC. He plays a bruising brand of hockey and another year to pack on some muscle and get stronger would do him some good, but I can also see where he might be ready for a new challenge. He'll spend some time in Rockford before earning a call up.
Paul Thompson - PIT - A free agent and a finalist for the Hobey Baker, Paul is a beast to play against. He's got scoring capabilities and showed them off quite well this past season at UNH, but what makes him so successful is his ability to wear you down. He is a huge pain in the rear to play against. He will make you work for every inch of ice and will probably beat you anyway. He's a great hybrid type player that should have a good opportunity in Pittsburgh.
Paul Dainton - CBJ - Having spent the last four years at the University of Massachusetts and serving as captain this past year, he's not only an athletic goaltender who can get the job done, but a tremendous leader. He signed a PTO with Springfield and has been playing great for them these past two weeks.
Gustav Nyquist - DET - A late pick for the Red Wings and we all know how good they are at finding hidden gems late in the draft, especially of the European variety. The bonus for them he that he's already been learning and playing the North American style of hockey and on smaller ice for the past three years at Maine. He's a fantastic prospect who will have to work his way onto an incredibly talented and deep team. As with most Detroit prospects, he'll start in Grand Rapids and hope to strut his stuff on the main stage when given the opportunity.
There are still some pretty big fish out there, especially in regards to free agents - mainly Stephane Da Costa, Andy Miele and Carter Camper. If you have a question about a newly signed college player, drop me a line and I'll share my thoughts.
Julie
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